Latest news with #SibuRuralDistrictCouncil
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Dialogue session successfully addresses Sibu Jaya residents' concerns, says SRDC deputy chairman
Wong (seated fifth right) and others in a photo session. SIBU (July 28): The Sibu Jaya Community Dialogue Session held on Saturday saw enthusiastic participation from residents, reflecting a strong community interest in local affairs. Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) deputy chairman Wong Ching Yong said the initiative was a step in the right direction as it not only strengthened interactions between the residents and local councils, but also laid a strong foundation for future community improvements. The dialogue held at 5A, Lorong Sibu Jaya 20-I and was organised by the Sarawak United People's Party Sibu Jaya branch. Wong, who is also SUPP Dudong chairman, engaged directly with the public, listening to their views and suggestions regarding development and public concerns in the Sibu Jaya area. 'This event helps build communication bridges between the council and residents, promoting more inclusive and responsive local governance.' Wong said during the dialogue, residents raised several topics, including issues related to stray dogs, clogged drains, and water supply shortages and council representatives took note of these concerns and responded on the spot, assuring attendees that they would coordinate with relevant departments to work toward resolving the issues. Wong said: 'The people's voices are crucial in shaping our policies. We deeply appreciate everyone's candid sharing and welcome more residents to join future dialogues as we build a more liveable Sibu Jaya together.' He said similar engagements would continue to be organised, with enhanced promotion and follow-up mechanisms to ensure public concerns are effectively addressed. Also present were SUPP Sibu Jaya branch chairman Kapitan Kong Sing Ping, Pemanca Paing Tawi, and political secretary to the Premier, William Anut. community dialogue session lead sibu jaya Wong Ching Yong
Borneo Post
19-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Rabies awareness must include cats, says MDLBS chairman
A Department of Veterinary Services officer administering an anti-rabies injection during the programme at Sang Ik Methodist Church, Tanjung Kunyit. SIBU (July 19): Public awareness about rabies must expand to include cats, as the disease is not exclusive to dogs and infected cats can pose hidden threats within homes, said Sibu Rural District Council (MDLBS) chairman Councillor Sempurai Petrus Ngelai. Speaking at the MDLBS-organised Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Microchipping and Licensing Programme at Sang Ik Methodist Church in Tanjung Kunyit today, he said many people still mistakenly believe that rabies only affects dogs. 'We now know that several recent rabies cases involved cats. People often assume that cats are less dangerous because they live indoors. But infected cats, especially those that have come into contact with stray cats outside and then return indoors, can pose a greater danger,' he said. Also present at the event were MDLBS Standing Committee Chairman for Environment and Public Health and SUPP Bawang Assan Chairman, Cr Kevin Lau, MDLBS secretary Ng Siang Wei, community leaders and others. Sempurai explained that while rabid dogs typically show clear symptoms such as excessive drooling or aversion to sunlight and water, signs of infection in cats are harder to detect. Sempurai (fourth left) observing the Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Microchipping and Licensing Programme organised by MDLBS at Sang Ik Methodist Church, Tanjung Kunyit today. Also seen are Lau (second right), Ng (right), and others. 'I hope MDLBS and the officers from the Department of Veterinary Services can also focus more on cats, so that the public becomes aware that cats can be rabies carriers too,' he said. He called on the public to spread the word about the campaign to encourage more people to get their pets vaccinated and microchipped. The microchipping, he said, is crucial not only for controlling rabies but also for tracking the local pet population more effectively. 'We don't want the public to assume that rabies cases are caused solely by stray dogs. In many cases, the animals were actually owned pets that had left their homes, became infected, and bit people. That is even more dangerous. 'During my tenure as MDLBS chairman, we've already seen that most stray dogs were caught over the past two to three years. What we're seeing roaming around now are mostly pet dogs,' he said. He stressed that microchipping would help authorities track the number of pets in specific areas and respond more effectively to any cases. 'For example, here in Tanjung Kunyit, if we chip every dog, we will know exactly how many are here. If there is a rabies case, we can quickly contain and monitor the situation,' he added. In conjunction with the campaign, officers from the Department of Veterinary Services were seen administering anti-rabies vaccines to pets brought by their owners.
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Free rabies vaccination, dog licensing at Sibu's Sang Ik Methodist Church on July 19
File photo of a dog being vaccinated. SIBU (July 16): Sang Ik Methodist Church at Tanjong Kunyit, Jalan Pradom will host a Rabies Vaccination, Dog Microchipping and Licensing Programme, along with a Rabies Awareness Talk, on July 19, from 9am to 2pm. Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) Environment and Public Health Standing Committee chairman Councillor Kevin Lau, urged all dog owners in the area to bring their pets for free rabies vaccinations. In a statement, he said there will be a booth for dog owners to apply for licenses – RM30 for neutered dogs and RM90 for non-neutered dogs. 'We hope that the residents staying at the area will take their opportunity to get their dogs vaccinated to ensure their own safety and the safety of the community,' he said, adding that it is everyone's responsibility to reduce the spread of rabies, and no one should let their guard down. Local residents are also encouraged to attend the rabies awareness talk to better understand the risks of the ongoing outbreak. The event is jointly organised by the Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, SRDC, Sibu Veterinary Services Department, Sibu District Office, and Sungai Parah Village Development and Security Committees. free vaccination lead Rabies awareness Sibu
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Free rabies vaccination, dog licensing at Sibu's Jln Pradom on July 19
File photo of a dog being vaccinated. SIBU (July 16): Sang Ik Methodist Church at Tanjong Kunyit, Jalan Pradom will host a Rabies Vaccination, Dog Microchipping and Licensing Programme, along with a Rabies Awareness Talk, on July 19, from 9am to 2pm. Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) Environment and Public Health Standing Committee chairman Councillor Kevin Lau, urged all dog owners in the area to bring their pets for free rabies vaccinations. In a statement, he said there will be a booth for dog owners to apply for licenses – RM30 for neutered dogs and RM90 for non-neutered dogs. 'We hope that the residents staying at the area will take their opportunity to get their dogs vaccinated to ensure their own safety and the safety of the community,' he said, adding that it is everyone's responsibility to reduce the spread of rabies, and no one should let their guard down. Local residents are also encouraged to attend the rabies awareness talk to better understand the risks of the ongoing outbreak. The event is jointly organised by the Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, SRDC, Sibu Veterinary Services Department, Sibu District Office, and Sungai Parah Village Development and Security Committees. free vaccination lead Rabies awareness Sibu
Borneo Post
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SRDC chairman reaffirms commitment to serve beyond titles
Sempurai (standing centre) in a photo session with his guests, during the Gawai Sandau Ari ceremony held at his longhouse, Rumah Bunsie Tiboh in Sibu. SIBU (June 29): Serving the people should not be confined to holding a position, but must be pursued through any role that enables meaningful contributions to local development, said Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai. Speaking to reporters during a Gawai Sandau Ari ceremony held at his longhouse, Rumah Bunsie Tiboh, Jalan Salim-Belalang yesterday, Sempurai pledged his continued commitment to serve the people. 'I am honoured to have the opportunity to continue serving as SRDC chairman. Although my current term ends in March 2026, I will give my full commitment and continue to serve the people as long as I am needed,' he said. Reflecting on his nine years in office, Sempurai noted that various rural development initiatives have been implemented under SRDC's jurisdiction. These include projects in Sibu Jaya, Selangau, Tebing Barat Sibu, Durin, and Menyan. 'I have always reminded council members to be on the ground. We must stay close to the people to understand their problems,' he added. Sempurai highlighted that SRDC oversees more than 5,000 square kilometres of territory – a responsibility that requires energy, commitment, and dedication to ensure all communities receive due attention. On another note, he urged younger generations to preserve cultural traditions such as Gawai Sandau Ari, describing it as a celebration deeply rooted in Iban spiritual values and communal heritage. 'This is not a religious matter, but one of customs and heritage. We hope the younger generation will learn and continue such practices so that they are not lost to time,' he said. He also shared that the Gawai Sandau Ari ceremony marked his official reappointment as SRDC chairman in March. 'Sometimes, we need spiritual renewal to strengthen our resolve in serving the people. This ceremony is also for the well-being of my family,' he added. Sempurai extended his appreciation to Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Selangau MP Edwin Banta, and other representatives from various agencies and district councils who attended and supported the event. He also affirmed his readiness to face political challenges ahead, including the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) party elections expected in October, and possibly the next state election. 'What matters most is that we remain committed to our service. The people will judge, and as long as they place their trust in me, I will serve to the best of my ability,' he said. lead Sempurai Petrus Ngelai SRDC
